Yellow Fever set to strike

Yellow Fever will strike Masterton on Sunday.
It's arrival will coincide with that of Wellington Phoenix, the capital-based Hyundai A-league soccer side which will be in town to play the national under-20's at the Pugh Sportsbowl.
Yellow Fever is the name of the supporter's club set up to lend their weight behind the Phoenix as they prepare to take on the best club teams from across the Tasman.
And founder Michael Green is delighted with the early response to their endeavours.
Despite being in their infancy they already have more than 1200 members, and they have been drawn from all over New Zealand, and overseas as well.
"We didn't have any idea how much interest there would be when we kicked Yellow Fever off and I'd have to say it has exceeded expectations", Green said "There's a real buzz around Wellington in particular, it's huge down here."
Currently Yellow Fever is relying on their internet website to inform members of what is happening with the Phoenix, and New Zealand soccer in general.
The site's home page spells out very simply their objectives.
"We dig our football.
"We think its brilliant Wellington has the A-league franchise. We know Wellington has a great football community and we know the city will get behind the team. So will we and we'll have a bit of a lark along the way"
Green said the decision of the Phoenix to have All Whites coach Ricki Herbert in the same role at the Phoenix had been a major plus for the club in terms of public perception.
"He (Herbert) has done so well at the international level that soccer people have a huge respect for him and that's been a big attraction for our members," he said. "There's a strong feeling that if anybody can make this team work it will be him."
Green anticipates a "fair number" of Yellow Fever supporters converging on Masterton on Sunday to watch the Phoenix play the national under-20s and he expects Yellow Fever to increase their membership from Wairarapa in the process.
"Wairarapa soccer has close ties to Wellington and hopefully they will see the Phoenix as their team too," he said. "We'd like the whole Wellington region to get behind them."
While agreeing that their on-field performances will count for plenty in terms of attendances at their home games in the Hyundai A-league, Green believes the novelty factor of the Phoenix will see a crowd in exceess of 25,000 for their opening match in that competition.
It will be at Westpac Stadium on the weekend of August 24 and the opposition will be defending A-league champions Melbourne Victory.
Green said the intentions were for Yellow Fever members to be grouped together for that game, and all other home fixtures in Wellington as well.
"We want to be able to go there and give the vocal chords a decent workout," he said. "We want to create an atmosphere which is intimidating for the opposition, and good for the Phoenix.".
Kickoff for Sunday's match is 11am and entry is free.